Naltrexone Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs, and Detoxification

Naltrexone is a drug that is commonly used to help people stop using alcohol. It is possible to become dependent on naltrexone, which may necessitate a naltrexone withdrawal treatment program.

When used as part of a treatment program for alcoholics, naltrexone reduces the craving for alcohol. While this medication isn't a cure for the problem, it is a viable solution if you want to use it as part of a comprehensive program to help you rehabilitate from the alcoholism.

In some cases, naltrexone is uses as part of a rehab program for people who are addicted to opioids. However, this drug isn't used to help opioid addicts through the withdrawal phase of treatment, as this medication won't help the addict's withdrawal symptoms. Instead, naltrexone is used to help the addict stay clean and sober once he or she has finished the withdrawal phase of treatment.

Naltrexone is an opioid inhibitor, which means that it stops the body from reacting normally to the opioids. Because of this, naltrexone is sometimes given to patients who must take opioid pain relievers on a regular basis because of severe or chronic pain. In most cases, physicians will only prescribe naltrexone if the patient has one or more indicators that he or she may become addicted to the pain relievers. Despite the opioid receptor blocking property of naltrexone, it won't actually reduce the effectiveness of the pain relievers at all.

If you or someone you love is addicted to naltrexone or any other drug, call the 24/7 toll-free hotline at 1-888-658-5242 to find out how to get help to get clean and sober.

Naltrexone Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms during a naltrexone withdrawal treatment plan include a gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Other common symptoms include a headache, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, trouble sleeping and flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, coughing and sneezing. The good news is that all of these symptoms are manageable with proper medical care.

Withdrawing from Naltrexone Treatment Methods and Options for Help

Outpatient Detox Centers

People who are interested in overcoming drug or alcohol addictions while maintaining their jobs and tending to their everyday lives may find that outpatient rehabilitation programs are a great match to their needs. These programs not only provide treatment for addictions, but also they can assist with detox. Outpatient detox is an option for those who are not at a high risk of severe physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone withdrawal symptoms are usually manageable through an outpatient program with regular visits to your doctor or clinic; however, if you or your loved one has another addiction, an inpatient program may be necessary. Other instances in which an inpatient program is required occurs when you experience unexpected side effects, if you want to be inpatient during rehab or if you need a stronger support system than you have at home.

There are a variety of options available to help you get off naltrexone and stay off it. The method your doctor or medical professional chooses depends upon how long you have been taking naltrexone and how severe your addiction has become. In some cases, simply weaning you off naltrexone is all that is needed to help you stop using the drug. This is done by slowly reducing the dosage of the drug that you receive. This is most commonly used if you have been taking more than the prescribed dosage of naltrexone pills. If you have been visiting multiple clinics to get more than one shot of naltrexone per month, you may be switched to an implant with a reduced dosage to ensure that you only have access to the proper amount of the drug. This implant is also used if your rehab team feels that you need to be able to focus more on your recovery and less on how often you have to take medications.

Detoxing, Addiction Treatment Rehab and Recovery

Once you are detoxed from the naltrexone, you will start a treatment program that is aimed at enabling you to discover why you turned to naltrexone as your substance of choice to abuse. This part of the treatment program involves a lot of counseling. You may also have the opportunity to participate in group sessions with other people who are recovering from an addiction.

Throughout this phase of the program, you will learn how to function in society as a sober person. This is called rehabilitation. You will learn coping skills to help you avoid turning to drugs and alcohol when things get rough. You will also develop a strong support system to help you stay clean and sober.

As part of this portion of the program, your family members and close friends may be invited to participate in the counseling. This usually occurs when your addiction has affected others. If your family members and friends are included, the goal is to simply rebuild your relationship.

Once you have completed the naltrexone withdrawal treatment program and rehabilitation, you will have everything you need to live and work sober.

Naltrexone Information at a Glance/th>

Medication Name, Costs

Class of Medicine

Generic Name: Naltrexone

Generic Name Variations: N/A

Chemical Name: Naltrexone Hydrochloride

Brand Name: Vivitrol

Brand Name Variations: ReVia, Depade

Cost/Price: Between $45 and $90

Used to Treat Addiction? Yes

Function or Use at Low Dose: Used to treat cravings of alcohol and illicit drugs

Function or Use at High Dose: Treatment of alcohol and other drug cravings

Chemical Makeup: C20NO4

System: Opioid antagonist

Duration of Action: Up to 12 hours

Form, Intake and Dosage

Interactions and Complications

Drug Forms: Tablet

Administration Routes: Oral

Dosage: 50 mg

Overdose: Exceeding 100 mg per dose

Alcohol Interaction: Naltrexone is made to create negative side effects when taken with alcohol.

Illicit Drugs: Adverse side effects, particularly in the abdominal region, will occur

Prescription Medications: Adverse side effects when taken with other Opioids.

Do You Have a List Popular Slang or Street Names for Naltrexone?

What are Common Misspellings?

Are There any Home Remedies for Getting Clean Safely?

Self-detoxification from Naltrexone is not recommended. It is highly advised that patients get help with detoxing to ensure that they get the relief they need from both Naltrexone addiction and any problems that may occur with their alcoholism. While some suggest that flushing the body out with water will help to relieve withdrawal symptoms, there is no home remedy or alternative medicine proven to reduce the physical effects of detoxification. The safest methods for detoxing involve checking into a rehab facility and seeking medical assistance.

How Long Does it Take to Detox from Naltrexone?

Naltrexone can remain in the system several days after it has been taken. To research options for detox methods and recovery programs, call 1-888-658-5242 or visit our locator page and get the help you or your loved one need—while there is still time.

Ready to Get Sober? Ready to Take Your Life Back?Don't Wait. Call Now: 1-888-657-1908Sponsored by Top Treatment CentersCall anytime for private detox and addiction treatment referrals